Hardy Marine: how to be cr4p at the boat show

[jimmy_the_builder]

So we were at the London boat show this afternoon, and as commented elsewhere, it was quiet. One of boats I wanted to have a look at was the new Hardy 40DS - I was interested to see how they would resolve the contemporary trawler styling with the traditional Hardy values, and so off we went to the stand. Up the stairs, shoes off, all fine. Stepped aboard to have a look at the cockpit (cockpit seating a bit uncomfy, but bifold saloon doors v cool). Made our way into the saloon - but only got as far as looking at the saloon seating to port and the galley to stbd when a frankly unpleasantly bolshy woman appeared and refused to let us go any further - just because swmbo was carrying a handbag.

She insisted that swmbo would have to leave her handbag with the shoes etc at the carpetted area of the stand at the stern of the boat. So that's purse, phone, ipad, keys etc, not to mention the bag itself which was not a bargain (I should know, I paid for it). There's no chance we're leaving that anywhere. But no, this woman would not have it.

So - that was that, end of viewing. Unfortunately the only thing I can suggest is that you avoid the Hardy stand, unless you're prepared to be lectured by some know-it-all broker who clearly has no clue at all how to qualify prospects. Pathetic.

 

[sailorman]

Is she a dark blue hull, if so she was moored next to us when she came back from Soton to complete the PDI

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Is she a dark blue hull, if so she was moored next to us when she came back from Soton to complete the PDI

Nope, grey hull.

 

[sailorman]

Nope, grey hull.

I think the Soton was longer

 

[rafiki_]

Jimmy, very frustrating. Some people really know about customer delight.

 

[Andy Bav]

So we were at the London boat show this afternoon, and as commented elsewhere, it was quiet. One of boats I wanted to have a look at was the new Hardy 40DS - I was interested to see how they would resolve the contemporary trawler styling with the traditional Hardy values, and so off we went to the stand. Up the stairs, shoes off, all fine. Stepped aboard to have a look at the cockpit (cockpit seating a bit uncomfy, but bifold saloon doors v cool). Made our way into the saloon - but only got as far as looking at the saloon seating to port and the galley to stbd when a frankly unpleasantly bolshy woman appeared and refused to let us go any further - just because swmbo was carrying a handbag.

She insisted that swmbo would have to leave her handbag with the shoes etc at the carpetted area of the stand at the stern of the boat. So that's purse, phone, ipad, keys etc, not to mention the bag itself which was not a bargain (I should know, I paid for it). There's no chance we're leaving that anywhere. But no, this woman would not have it.

So - that was that, end of viewing. Unfortunately the only thing I can suggest is that you avoid the Hardy stand, unless you're prepared to be lectured by some know-it-all broker who clearly has no clue at all how to qualify prospects. Pathetic.

We had handbag issue at Princess and SSeeker, but we're caught at the bathing platforms. Agree no excuse for poor (potential) customer service. To my uneducated eye I couldn't tell a serious buyer from a browser, and I am sure she couldn't either...

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

It amazes me Jimmy. I can only conclude that Hardy must be inundated with orders and can afford to treat potential customers like this. But then they aren't the only builder who seem to adopt a high handed attitude to visitors at exhibitions. Sometimes I wonder what they think they are doing there

 

[johng39]

Shame I did not look on here earlier Jimmy, I was there today also. Will be Thursday, but not for very long.......It was so quiet today, I managed to look at whatever I wanted without a queue. Got a good deal on some rope, new Navionics maps and an AIS transciever. Damn those sales people

 

[sharpness]

I hope I'm not asking a dim question, but why was she insisting that handbags can't be taken onboard? Like you say, this Hardy saleswoman has never heard the phrase customer is king!

 

[longjohnsilver]

So we were at the London boat show this afternoon, and as commented elsewhere, it was quiet. One of boats I wanted to have a look at was the new Hardy 40DS - I was interested to see how they would resolve the contemporary trawler styling with the traditional Hardy values, and so off we went to the stand. Up the stairs, shoes off, all fine. Stepped aboard to have a look at the cockpit (cockpit seating a bit uncomfy, but bifold saloon doors v cool). Made our way into the saloon - but only got as far as looking at the saloon seating to port and the galley to stbd when a frankly unpleasantly bolshy woman appeared and refused to let us go any further - just because swmbo was carrying a handbag.

She insisted that swmbo would have to leave her handbag with the shoes etc at the carpetted area of the stand at the stern of the boat. So that's purse, phone, ipad, keys etc, not to mention the bag itself which was not a bargain (I should know, I paid for it). There's no chance we're leaving that anywhere. But no, this woman would not have it.

So - that was that, end of viewing. Unfortunately the only thing I can suggest is that you avoid the Hardy stand, unless you're prepared to be lectured by some know-it-all broker who clearly has no clue at all how to qualify prospects. Pathetic.

Don't think it's just you or just this year. On at least 2 occasions at past LIBS (pre Excel days) I've been refused entry onto the Hardy showboat. No reasons given, just a straight no, you can't come on board. Gave up in the end. Shame cos the product is pretty impressive.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Don't think it's just you or just this year. On at least 2 occasions at past LIBS (pre Excel days) I've been refused entry onto the Hardy showboat. No reasons given, just a straight no, you can't come on board. Gave up in the end. Shame cos the product is pretty impressive.

Aha, there must be a 'Hardy' attitude, I didn't realise they had form. Oh well, you live and learn.

 

[Spi D]

Apparently (still) not all manufacturers have noted the fact that customers can do do fine without their products but that the opposite is not the situation.

Going there Saturday. Will se if any sales reps deserve a bashing here afterwards :black_eyed:

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

We had handbag issue at Princess and SSeeker, but we're caught at the bathing platforms. Agree no excuse for poor (potential) customer service. To my uneducated eye I couldn't tell a serious buyer from a browser, and I am sure she couldn't either...

Oddly though we also went on a couple of Fairlines, and a Princess - all no issue at all.

A BMW salesman once said to me that he couldn't tell a buyer from a tyre-kicker either - so his solution was to treat every person that came into the showroom as a potential buyer. Seems like the correct approach to me.

 

[aquapower]

So we were at the London boat show this afternoon, and as commented elsewhere, it was quiet. One of boats I wanted to have a look at was the new Hardy 40DS - I was interested to see how they would resolve the contemporary trawler styling with the traditional Hardy values, and so off we went to the stand. Up the stairs, shoes off, all fine. Stepped aboard to have a look at the cockpit (cockpit seating a bit uncomfy, but bifold saloon doors v cool). Made our way into the saloon - but only got as far as looking at the saloon seating to port and the galley to stbd when a frankly unpleasantly bolshy woman appeared and refused to let us go any further - just because swmbo was carrying a handbag.

She insisted that swmbo would have to leave her handbag with the shoes etc at the carpetted area of the stand at the stern of the boat. So that's purse, phone, ipad, keys etc, not to mention the bag itself which was not a bargain (I should know, I paid for it). There's no chance we're leaving that anywhere. But no, this woman would not have it.

So - that was that, end of viewing. Unfortunately the only thing I can suggest is that you avoid the Hardy stand, unless you're prepared to be lectured by some know-it-all broker who clearly has no clue at all how to qualify prospects. Pathetic.

That sounds like the owner of Hardy, they only sell direct so dont have any dealers and she does think she is better than every one else and is very frosty towards people wanting to view their boats.
From what I've heard there's not loads of orders coming in yet since they took over last year.

 

[Portofino]

Pathetic really !
Exactly what is the issue,-bomb?-scratches ? You gonna shop lift the fridge?

Back in Sept we had guests in the SoF when Cannes was on .first day all the " lads" went 2 dads 2 lads about to start Uni .
We crawled all over everything inc a San Lorenzo 140 something ,taken round by a pleasant English guy ,its a 4 double guest s below cabin + owners complex up top forward ,I think trideck .
I told him / maybe asked what I currently had while stood up on the top deck looking out over to even bigger stuff.
€14M was the price - he realised I was not in a position to buy -But he said 4 guest cabins _+ 5-7 crew was all that I would need -cos think about it how many friends or sets of do you want on board together?
Then he said feel free to wonder ( even engine room ) and he realised he was planting a dream and said " you never know people win lotto etc and come back"
A few days later ( when guest departed) I returned with just the wife + handbag oblitaire
He came up said hello -invited us both on board -we had another tour + get this a glass of chilled wine ,in hand free to wonder again
San Lorenzo -that's how to do it @ a show treat Joe public

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

It amazes me Jimmy. I can only conclude that Hardy must be inundated with orders and can afford to treat potential customers like this. But then they aren't the only builder who seem to adopt a high handed attitude to visitors at exhibitions. Sometimes I wonder what they think they are doing there

Very interesting to contrast Fairline's approach to punters at this year's show with the barriers etc of yore. This year, they have a lot of glamorous pr girls floating around, and they gently intercept you as you walk up the steps to the reception desk. Instant qualification. They asked me if we were already registered with Fairline (we are) and ... that was it, help yourself to the boats, no need to register, no 'wait here while I find your dealer'. A real lesson in how to strike the right balance between harvesting prospect data v not creating an unreasonable barrier to entry. Well done Fairline.

 

[sailorman]

I thought that Windboats now own & build Hardy`s

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Pathetic really !
Exactly what is the issue,-bomb?-scratches ? You gonna shop lift the fridge?

Back in Sept we had guests in the SoF when Cannes was on .first day all the " lads" went 2 dads 2 lads about to start Uni .
We crawled all over everything inc a San Lorenzo 140 something ,taken round by a pleasant English guy ,its a 4 double guest s below cabin + owners complex up top forward ,I think trideck .
I told him / maybe asked what I currently had while stood up on the top deck looking out over to even bigger stuff.
€14M was the price - he realised I was not in a position to buy -But he said 4 guest cabins _+ 5-7 crew was all that I would need -cos think about it how many friends or sets of do you want on board together?
Then he said feel free to wonder ( even engine room ) and he realised he was planting a dream and said " you never know people win lotto etc and come back"
A few days later ( when guest departed) I returned with just the wife + handbag oblitaire
He came up said hello -invited us both on board -we had another tour + get this a glass of chilled wine ,in hand free to wonder again
San Lorenzo -that's how to do it @ a show treat Joe public

Cannes really is quite a show though, isn't it? Putting Hardy's miserable attitude to their not-customers to one side for a minute, poor old LIBS does feel like it's withering on the vine somewhat.

 

[Andy Bav]

Oddly though we also went on a couple of Fairlines, and a Princess - all no issue at all.

A BMW salesman once said to me that he couldn't tell a buyer from a tyre-kicker either - so his solution was to treat every person that came into the showroom as a potential buyer. Seems like the correct approach to me.

To be fair we were dreaming on the 80 foot Princess and 70 foot SSeeker. I think Dame Floella (?) Benjamin may have been relieved of hers at the Pearl as well. We were waiting for her to get off... Saw her through the round window ....

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Saw her through the round window ....

Quality!